Follow these steps and enjoy a well earned, hassle free holiday while someone cares for your pet.

Your pet's current health status

Book your pet in for a full veterinary health check, including a clinical examination. Ensure they are up to date with vaccinations (in case of emergency boarding/ hospitalisation), worming and parasite control.

A care record for you pet

Write down as much information about your pet as possible for the person looking after them.

Pets often put on weight during their owner's absence so provide a list of do's and don'ts, where to buy, how much to feed and how often.

Medical complaints or medication required including regular preventatives eg. fleas/heartworm and treatments eg. arthritis, heart medication. Also instructions on how to administer them.

Habits that may be unique to your pet.

Requirements for exercise and check that your carer has time to do this.

Basics of caring for a pet

If the person caring for your pet has not owned a pet before or if your pet will be staying with a friend (not at your residence) it is a good idea to point out some basics.

Identification

Have a microchip implanted in your pet if you have not already done so. This will make it much simpler for you to be contacted should your animal go missing and end up at a pound or animal shelter. We have a list of relevant contacts should your pet go missing.

Make sure you give your carer's details to neighbours just in case your pet gets into distress (or is causing stress).

Back-up plan

Also have a back up plan at a boarding facility should your carer get sick or something unforeseen occurs.

Permission to provide care for your pet

Leave the contact details of your veterinarian for the carer of your pet, as well as a letter of authority for any medical/surgical procedures in case your pet needs veterinary attention while you are away. Download the Authorisation to Care letter template below.

Make sure you discuss methods of payment should care be required. Emergency centres and most vet clinics do not offer account systems. Many clients leave their details and instructions with us.

Authorisation to care

I (________________________________) authorise and request the Veterinarians at

(______________________) in my absence from (_______________) to (_______________).

This is to be: In consultation with my pet's carer _______________________________ (carer's name) Phone number _______________________________ (carer's contact)

To a limit of $_____________

I appoint my pet's carer ___________________________ as my agent and authorise and request to give consent on my behalf including, but not limited to, cases of euthanasia, acknowledgement of to the veterinarians such consents as may be necessary risks and payment terms.